Wednesday, December 31, 1969

This evening we visited in the home of Gilberto da Silva, the irmão we baptized a few weeks ago. I am gladdened to see his progress. He is a simple uninstructed man but warm in friendship and love. He reads the Book of Mormon slowly but understands and enjoys it. It is difficult to tear him away from the chapel after meetings (as if we cared to) because he loves to meet with everybody present. His lovely wife, Laura, has not yet been able to attend church and therefore has not yet been prepared for baptism. She cannot read but seems to understand well what we have explained to her. She was not home this evening.

The wick of another year has burned down to its very last. Just a few hours remain before we begin marking time with a new number. The last year has gone so quickly. I call it the best and most fruitful year of my life, hoping the new year to be even better and more fruitful, just as 1969 surpassed 1968 and 1968 outdid 1967. That is progress: the only direction in which I care to travel.

We are teaching right now a wonderful little family that look really sharp. Miguel and Lúcia Fernandes da Silva are the names of the couple. They have a son, Wagner, and a daughter, Silvinia, aged four and three respectively. We encountered the wife on December 23 while tracting in the rain. She told us to return the next afternoon because her husband would be home on Christmas Eve. On the next afternoon, raining still, we returned and were well received, marking a first lesson for Saturday afternoon, December 27. They accepted the first lesson well, came to sacrament meeting the next evening, and received the Book of Mormon two days ago. This afternoon, while working with Elder Knight, zone leader, I stopped by and we thoroughly checked out their lineage, only to find out that she has no idea whatsoever of her family because she was adopted when she was three months old. He is descended from Indian, Peruvian, and Japanese ancestors. He also is an orphan, raised by an American family.

Brazil tonight enters the New Year with noise and festivities. At midnight most of the spiritualists gather on the beaches in their biggest annual orgy to honor their patron saint or whatever.

Thursday, December 25, 1969

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men," sang the angelic choirs nearly 2,000 years ago as they announced the first Christmas. The spirit of Christmas, which is the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, has not yet been realized in the earth at large, but is known and felt and lived by those who have accepted the gospel in its fulness as taught and administered by authorized servants of God in these latter days.

Last evening, by previous invitation, we spent in the home of José Delfino Barbosa (Lucia's father). For a short while Lucia, Elder Hatch, and I visited at Tania's, where Elders Weeks, Axtell, Smith, and Warner were spending the evening, to have some real live apple pie. We then returned to Lucia's place to talk, listen to music, eat, and eat some more. We finally tore ourselves away to get home and to bed by three o'clock.

This morning our dona came pounding on our door about nine o'clock to feed us food she had left over from the feast the night before. All this food is good, but there is just too much of it!

A grand Christmas party was held during the afternoon for all the elders and sisters in Rio, Niterói, and Petrópolis. More than 80 were crowded into the mission home. It was good to see old faces again and to renew friendships and to catch up on old news. I attended last year's party when only 30-some were present from as far away as Juiz de Fora and Vitória. The mission has grown a great deal since then. Even the weather this year was improved: Light rains kept the temperature decent. Last year it was swelteringly hot for the holidays.

As the program started we all joined in singing many of the favorite carols, both religious and secular. Elder Steffensen came bouncing in dressed up like Santa Claus (or Papai Noel) and passed out candy to everybody. President Johnson read the original Christmas story from Luke. Then each district, 13 were present, put on some number, ranging from skits to vocal musical numbers to instrumental musical numbers to story telling. The Ramos District sang, accompanied by Elder Cleverly, five different carols all to the tune of "Angels We Have Heard on High." Having been original, it was tremendously popular. After all the common talent, the Mormonários put on a musical program all their own. Current members of the group are Elders Brinton, Crocheron, Gibbs, and Chandler. They are here in Rio for about six weeks to make the Church known.

Refreshments of applesauce cake, real live cookies, root beer, and ice cream followed the program. About 50 of the elders went to see the premier showing of Lion in Winter in cinemascope/cinerama. It was a good Christmas show. Our entire district went.

From Elder Stewart I received a copy of Carol Lynn Pearson's book of poetry, Beginnings. That surprised me. I am really grateful for the gift. Lucia last night had given us three handkerchiefs apiece. Christmas cards and letters came from all corners of the world: Samoa, France, Brazil, Belgium, and Idaho.

Well, the day was busy and full, but even fuller is the gratitude of an overflowing heart for the blessings I enjoy. Life itself is a great privilege. It is a joy to live in this glorious dispensation of time. I count my family, my friends, and my associates in the work of the Lord as among my greatest blessings. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. I hold the holy priesthood of God. I am an elder in Israel. I have knowledge of the truthfulness of this marvelous work and a wonder. Have I not every reason to rejoice, saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Monday, December 22, 1969

Today Elders Gessel, Richtsteig, Taylor, and Ririe from Cascadura District, and Elders Demke, Lunt, Hatch, and I from Ramos visited Pão de Açucar. A good view of Rio. A nice day.

This afternoon I met Elder Monte Stewart at Bob's in Largo do Carioca and spent the afternoon renewing that wonderful relationship. Elder Stewart is really excited about Nova Friburgo. It was great seeing him again.

In district meeting tonight we spent the full time, and more, working on a musical number for the Christmas program Thursday.

Thursday, December 18, 1969

A host of events have slipped by during the passing weeks. In outline only a few are mentioned here. On December 2 I worked with Elder Gary Johnson, Meier zone leader. It was that day while tracting in our area that we encountered a lady who said she would need to ask her confessor before she could know whether or not she had interest in knowing a church restored by Jesus Christ. In asking if she herself could not decide whether she had interest, she answered, "In matters spiritual I never act without consulting my confessor. He is my spiritual advisor."

On December 3 we received from our members a total of eight referrals as a result of our December 1 member fireside. Of these we taught a first lesson to Nair, a friend of Lúcia Barbosa, who at that point (December 10) had read half of the Book of Mormon. Right now she is sick, unable to be taught.

An investigator fireside, over which I presided, was held in the home of Tania Pacheco December 7, the evening of fast Sunday. A filmstrip about the Book of Mormon was shown. Three nonmembers, four members, and six elders were in attendance.

This same Sunday we, the district leaders, began holding a weekly meeting with the branch president, Mario Campanello, to coordinate our work with his activities.

On December 12 Elder Hatch and I joined Elder Ferrin and his new companion at the mission home to dine with President Johnson and his family. We dined by candlelight because the electricity was off. For me it was just like being home. We were honored with the dinner because Ramos was the top district in the mission during October.

Last week I worked with Elder Ronald Axtell on December 10 and Elder Arlo Weeks on December 12 and this week with Elder Neiswender yesterday.

December 13 Elder Hatch baptized Gilberto da Silva, and I confirmed him a member of the Church and bestowed the Holy Ghost. Irmão Gilberto was a member referral from Irmã Missilda, who lives on the next street over from Gilberto. We taught him in a three-week period. He is such a happy man now. His wife should join later.

Early the same morning of the baptismal service, a thief visited us while we were sleeping, taking a watch and pair of pants from each of us. He probably grabbed the pants expecting to find money in the pockets. In that respect he was disappointed. My stolen watch belonged to my dad, and I felt bad about that. The pants, except for the belt, were no great loss. The door opening onto the street was open when we awoke. Even though it is against my nature to do so, we now lock up even while we are in the room.

Last Sunday, in the morning meeting, a weird lady was present who kept disrupting the proceedings. She was not a member and obviously mentally ill. She refused to leave and, rather than creating a scene, was not bodily hauled out of the chapel. After a while everybody ignored her for the most part. She remained on the stand during the entire opening exercises.

Today, the last official mission fast on the third Thursday of the month, is my birthday. One year ago today I arrived in Brazil. In every sense of the word, it has been a good year, a fast year, a rewarding year. Unfortunately, the coming year will slip away even more quickly. We started the fast with a special district meeting. From now on there will be no mission-wide fasts other than on fast Sunday.

Monday, December 15, 1969

A short letter to my family:

Time is short. This is a quick note only. A Christmas greeting comes under separate cover. Saturday we baptized a man a member of the Church that we had taught during the past three weeks. His wife has not yet joined because she cannot read and because health has prevented her attendance at church. She does have somewhat of a testimony already though. They are such sweet wonderful people that love us to pieces.

Also Saturday a thief came into our room while we were sleeping and stole two pairs of pants and our two watches. I guess he thought the pants had money in the pockets. They didn't. The only thing that makes me feel bad is that it was Dad's watch.

In three more days I mark the year point of being in Brazil. You know what that means? I will be home soon. Time is running out. Have a merry holiday season and may God bless you ever more richly.

Monday, December 1, 1969

Time slips ever away. Much happens every day worthy of treatment on these pages, but the minutes are few. Already it is December again.

We had an encounter Sunday afternoon with "a learned gentleman," a doctor of religion, who was visiting in the home of an investigator. Most of the time we were not allowed the privilege of speaking, but for a few moments I bore a most solemn testimony in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of his holy priesthood. I was asked to show a sign and then charged with being "intolerant and unchristian." The man with whom we spoke became quite violent near the end of our interview and indicated we would be escorted from the house if we did not stop talking of religion. The man of the house, our investigator, to whom I turned, cowardly hid behind the skirts of the doctor. Not seeing any hope of adding anything further, we left.

This evening we held a member fireside for a few members in Penha, Ramos, and Olaria. We met in the home of Delfino Barbosa. The meeting turned out successful despite all odds we were working against. Originally we had planned to present the new Book of Mormon program, but yesterday we learned that it was not yet to be taken to the members.

Thursday, November 27, 1969

Today is Thanksgiving Day. Probably at no time in my life have I had greater cause to render praise and thanks to my Heavenly King than at this period in this year. I rejoice with the Psalmist:

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness. . . . Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations" (Psalms 100:1–2, 4–5). Life is abundantly good, full of the richness of the earth and the blessings of heaven.

Appropriate to the rejoicing of the day, we taught Irmão Renato and his wife a lineage lesson and a sixth lesson, filled out the baptis­mal recommends, and interviewed each of them personally. They are ready for baptism. Yesterday we had taught the fifth lesson, which they accepted really well. Since Tuesday morning there has no longer been any Word of Wisdom problem. He used to smoke 60 cigarettes a day and has finally conquered the habit.

Elder Smith and I worked together this evening to teach a lineage lesson and sixth to their candidate for baptism, Irmã Odette. She too is ready for her baptism. This is the second time I have been to teach her: Last week on Wednesday Elder Smith and I taught her the fourth lesson.

Friday, November 21, 1969

Yesterday the Meier and Rio Zones met together in zone conference, presided over by Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. It was the longest single meeting in my entire life I have attended at one sitting, beginning at 8:30 and continuing until 4:30, with only a 15-minute break but without a session being closed and another started 15 minutes later. For me this was zone con­ference number six, the best of them all thus far. Highlighting the conference was the interview with Brother Brockbank, the testimony meeting, and the talks of Brother Brockbank and President Johnson. Elders Braithwaite and Johnson, zone leaders of Rio and Meier res­pec­tively, both spoke. Elders Ferrin, Gessel, and I put on a lineage les­son demonstration. An evaluation and critique session was held.

Brother Brockbank's talk was an answer to much pondering and many prayers on my part: How can we effectively use the members? How can we put the Book of Mormon to better use to make it the great converting tool it was meant to be? He outlined a program that he worked out by inspiration, emphasizing the eight steps suggested by Moroni's promise in Moroni 10:4–5. These are (1) read the Book of Mormon, (2) meditate in your heart the things read, (3) ask God the Eternal Father, (4) in the name of Jesus Christ, (5) ask if the Book of Mormon is true, (6) ask with a sincere heart, (7) and with real intent, and (8) having faith in Jesus Christ. We are asked to push the pro­gram further, enlisting member help, to give the Book of Mormon its chance to be a witness to all nations.

This evening a special district conference was called in the Tijuca chapel in which President Johnson and Brother Brockbank both spoke. President João Dias, district president, translated for Brother Brockbank. It was an outstanding and inspirational session. None of our investigators were able to attend, but most of our members in our area attended. Brother Brockbank spoke about being created in the image of God, about the differences between doctrines of men and the doctrines of the Lord, the importance of the Book of Mormon in the program of Restoration.

Tuesday evening the district received two new elders: Elders Arlo Weeks and Ronald Axtell, who will be laboring in Jardim America, Vigário Geral, and Cordovil. We have been having difficulties in find­ing a place for them to live. For now they are doubled up with us. Tuesday evening Elder Axtell, fresh that day from the States, went with me to teach the parents of Carmem a Blue Book lesson. I am really impressed with him. His abilities with the Portuguese language are remarkable, but even more impressive is the spirit he carries, the testimony he bears, the knowledge he commands.

Sunday, November 2, 1969

Sundays are always exciting and full days. This morning we met in testimony meeting, which to me is always a special event. As Sunday School followed, we found a vacant corner of the cultural hall to hold district meeting.

New programs have started in the mission within the last month that are keeping things exciting. I guess President Johnson really ex­pects a stake here soon and is now through muddling around, or more accurately, letting his missionaries muddle around. One of these programs is called Prepare to Baptize. It is a checklist covering all areas of missionary activity, which is kept on a weekly basis dur­ing four consecutive weeks (for new elders their first four weeks). It provides a schedule for having all lessons learned within an elder's first month in the field. Upon completion and after the district leader has heard and approved any one of the six lessons, the form is signed by the district leader and forwarded to President Johnson.

Another program is a new mission study guide, providing for an orderly, unified, systematic study of the standard works, Articles of Faith, Jesus the Christ, and A Marvelous Work and a Wonder. This pro­gram calls for four companion discussions on gospel subjects each week, a new scripture learned each day, the discussions constantly re­viewed every day, and personal study questions answered. For the fourth quarter of the year we are studying A Marvelous Work and a Wonder by LeGrand Richards and Articles of Faith by James E. Tal­mage. In January we will begin studying the Book of Mormon.

For the record I should mention that Karen recently wrote saying she no longer felt it profitable to continue writing. In my reply I indi­cated that whatever was for her best welfare and happiness would make me happy. Ours had been a wholesome relationship in every way, and my love for her could never let me feel sorry or angry. I will ever be grateful for how we helped each other grow. She had brought out the best in me. I feel the right thing has happened and that if she finds the right young man my prayers will have been answered.

Saturday, November 1, 1969

Thursday afternoon I received fresh from the States a new com­panion, Elder Alan Hatch from southern Arizona. Two other elders are new to the district also, making eight of us for right now. Elder William Smith, who transferred from Vitória, and his brand new com­panion from the States, Elder Doug Neiswender, will be living and working in Penha. Receiving new elders, especially a new com­panion, is quite exciting.

That same evening I brought the elders back to Ramos and show­ed them around a little bit and took them to Bob's to eat. The four of us slept at our place on Rua Tupí because the furniture for Elders Smith and Neiswender came Friday morning.

Friday morning Elder Hatch and I traveled up to Hospital Sil­ves­tre to have my toe checked out and bandage changed. As far as I can tell, I am recovered from my bronchitis. It takes a lot to keep a good man down for long.

Elder Hatch arrived knowing two lessons rather shakily. He has the desire to be a good and dedicated missionary. My challenge is to help him along to the best of my abilities, loving him, being a friend, inspiring him, helping him with the language, showing him the right methods and attitudes.

Wednesday, October 29, 1969

After a visit again to the hospital this morning, we dropped by the mission home to see President Johnson. Elder Gessel has a very bad cold also, both of us having spent Tuesday in bed. President Johnson was quite concerned about our health and threatened hospitalization if we did not get ourselves better. He instructed us to start taking vitamin pills, to start buying extra fruits and vegetables, to drink more water, to get in bed on time. He told me to report again tomorrow on how we are feeling and to spend the rest of today in bed. Elders Ferrin and Taylor are to be told to move into a place with at least a good meal daily and to start getting in bed by 10:30, which they rarely do these days. We visited them this evening and delivered the message and checked on their health as soon as they came home at 11:00. Elder Ferrin had strep throat last week.

This evening the three of us visited a family who has received all the lessons but are not yet ready for baptism. The husband's major hang up, or excuse, is the lineage doctrine. Elder Gessel has not yet baptized on his mission, this family being about the closest he has come.

Monday, October 27, 1969

Today turned into one of those days when all sorts of things happen to make life look different and exciting. Making a visit to Hospital Silvestre, I learned from Dr. Kovach that my cold was really bronchitis. An infection that started in my right big toe again last week, ten months after the operation on it, required the toenail to be removed again. I was told that the problem was not really ingrown toenail problems but a fungus of some type on the toenail. For all this I have been given medicines of all shapes, colors, and forms: one taken every four hours, another every 12 hours, another three times daily, another every day at lunch for 40 days. The worst part of the whole experience was calling President Johnson to give him the good news and writing my family to give them something to worry about.

Elder Edward Staker, my companion for the last month and a half, left this evening for Vitória. We took him to the rodoviária to put him on the bus. Elders Gessel and Richsteig are my companions for the next few days. I was feeling half dead and was glad to fall into bed finally.

A letter to my family:

Actually I should probably not tell you, because it will just make you worry, but I need to let you know how things are going. For the past two weeks I have had a rather heavy cold hanging on. Today the doctor diagnosed it as a bronchial infection, commonly called bronchitis. He prescribed all the necessary medicine, which should have me well within four or five days (by the time you receive this letter).

Also I had another toe operation this morning. The toenail that was removed last December started causing infection again and so the doctor thought it best to remove it again. The reason was not because it was ingrown, as everybody thought, but because of some sort of fungus in the toenail. For the next 30 to 40 days I have a medicine to take that is supposed to eliminate that.

Other than all that, I am feeling great. It is great being a missionary. Saturday my companion and I had the opportunity to baptize and confirm a man we had taught during the preceding three weeks. His baptism was a wonderful occasion and topped off the marvelous experiences had working with him.

One special blessing from being district leader is the responsibility to interview every candidate for baptism within the district. Every time is a new and different experience.

On Wednesday or Thursday of this week I will receive a new companion fresh from the States. My present companion, Elder Edward Staker, from Mount Pleasant, Utah, leaves this evening for Vitória, a city eight or nine hours by bus from Rio. He has been my companion since mid-September, having arrived in Brazil two weeks before then. He will be a good missionary, I am confident, because he is a hard worker and dedicated.

Every month each district in the mission is rated in relationship to all the others according to a scale determined by number of baptisms, number of hours worked, number of people contacted, and number of lessons taught. The Ramos District was rated in September, after I had presided over it as district leader for two weeks, as 13th out of 25. For October we lead the mission as number one on the list. Our baptismal goal was nine people for the month, and the district baptized 14. The big challenge now is to remain faithful, spiritual, hard working, and continue seeking for the Lord's blessings for these good people.

Thanks for all you are and mean to me. Your support and love are very real forces. I want to express my gratitude and love to you, especially Dad and Mom, for the "good life" to which I was introduced. A lady we taught yesterday asked me to send her congratulations and an abraço to my mother for the fine job she did in raising such a good son. I don't deserve it, but my mother does, so I promised that I would.

May heaven bless you richly.

Sunday, October 26, 1969

In the last zone conference it was announced that, except for branches with only four missionaries or less, the elders would no longer attend priesthood meetings. The weekly district meeting would serve as our priesthood meeting. Sunday School attendance, as always, would depend on whether investigators were present or expected. Today was the first time that we did not have reason to attend meetings in the morning, making the first part of the day seem like any regular day of missionary work.

During sacrament meeting this afternoon the concluding speaker was President João Dias, the district president, who gave an outstanding discourse on the second coming of the Savior and events related thereto. President Dias is a great leader of the Church here in Rio, a man with vision and with a very strong testimony and with a deep understanding of the ways of the Lord.

The theme of our district meeting tonight was a discussion of the principle of obedience and its importance in the work of the Lord. As a matter of business we divided up the area for the two new elders. To honor Elder Staker's departure, we sang "God Be with You till We Meet Again" in Portuguese. By next week the district could be divided, thus it was honoring us all.

Saturday, October 25, 1969

During the time I have been a missionary, I have run across many different types of people. It is refreshing to know that not everybody was cast in the same mold. Late Wednesday afternoon as Elder Staker and I were tracting, we encountered a drunken piano salesman who thought we were Baptist ministers. He dragged us into his home, or little shop, and had me play one of the pianos there. All I could play without music was "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet," and so I did exactly that. As we were trying to leave, in came a very dark Negro who was Baptist, in every sense the epitome of a crente. We finally made the point that we were Mormons, to which the Baptist replied, "That's alright. As long as you profess Jesus, you're saved." That sort of philosophy irks me, and we graciously made every effort to excuse ourselves and be on our way, which we were allowed to do after I had played the same hymn once again.

This afternoon at the baptismal service at the Tijuca chapel, two men from the Ramos District were baptized. Elder Staker baptized Antonio Fernandes Costa, a man we had taught during the last four weeks, and I confirmed him a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. His testimony has grown much, and his faith is waxing strong. Unfortunately, his wife did not care to hear the gospel message. The other baptism, Seu Annibel, had been taught by Elders Ferrin and Taylor. I interviewed both Antonio and Annibel yesterday afternoon.

Early this morning Elder Staker and I were called to the mission home to learn of Elder Staker's transfer to Vitória. He leaves Monday evening. He will travel to Vitória with Elder Gabriel Kemeny, who will be the new district leader in that city. Elder George McGrath is Elder Staker's new companion. My new companion will be an elder fresh from the States. It seems as though the entire mission is in transfer, although Elder Staker is the only one leaving Ramos District. But in Tijuca, for example, only two of six are remaining. A new zone and probably new districts are to be created when the 14 new missionaries arrive and are assigned next week.

Tonight we taught a young man named Celso a first lesson, which went particularly well. He has studied nearly every religion imaginable, both Christian and non-Christian. He was quite impressed with our message, recognizing that it rang with a conviction others lacked. He is a thinking man, but a humble man.

Monday, October 20, 1969

In an inspired and what may prove to be prophetic speech yesterday in quarterly district conference, President Johnson challenged the members of the district to prepare for a stake by next October. He issued specific goals and guidelines, calling them challenges and opportunities: (1) at least 40 percent sacrament meeting attendance, double the present rate; (2) increased fast offerings; (3) at least 75 per-cent home teaching completed monthly; (4) better support of leaders; (5) increased reverence in meetings; (6) 1,000 people attending the next conference in January, an increase of 400; and (7) 1,000 baptisms by the missionary force by next October, members helping with at least one member referral per month.

This was the fourth district conference I have attended and was by far the best. Seeing members again from Petrópolis and Jardim Botânico was particularly neat. I met with all three of the families we baptized in Jardim Botânico, all of them still strong and active. Over 600 were at the conference, the Meier Branch having the most with over 150 members.

Following the general session of conference, a baptismal service was held in which I baptized Victor Ferreira’s wife and daughter, both of whom were not ready to baptism when Victor was baptized in August. I also baptized some lady from Petrópolis. It did my heart good to see Maria Helena and Maria das Graças finally join.

Elder Philip Richins, my old district leader and now district leader in Petrópolis, was staying the night in Rio. After the baptism, he and his companion came with us to eat and spend the afternoon until sacrament meeting time. Both Tijuca and Meier met together at 6:00 for the meeting. I was drafted to play the organ. A short district meeting followed.

Today I was still feeling down with my bad cold (as far as I know it could be pneumonia) and we stayed home all day catching up odd details and answering letters and resting. I wrote to my family, Jerry, Jackie, Sister Halliday, Elder Jeff Boswell, and Elder Monte Stewart.

Richard Lynn Cleverly is my newest nephew, born during September to my brother Ray and his wife Sheryl. All are doing fine.

During the past weeks the weather has been unstable, alternating with heat and cold, rain and shine. This evening it was raining again. If for no other reason, it becomes difficult to kick a cold.
I wrote a letter to my family today and pretty much reported on the quarterly district conference and the goals President Johnson outlined. I continued:

"At the conference I saw again many wonderful friends from other branches I have worked in. Especially good to see is that every family I have helped baptize is active and progressing in the Church. Following the conference I had the wonderful opportunity to baptize a lady and her daughter we taught while working in the mission office. The father and son of this family we baptized in August. It was simply thrilling to see this lady finally enter the waters of baptism. Next Saturday we will baptize one more man we have just finished teaching.

"I do not like to be the ungrateful type, and I am the first to recognize that any and all success we are meeting here is due directly to the Lord and the workings of His Holy Spirit on the hearts of men. This is His work, not man’s. It is the Holy Ghost that converts, not us. We are such unworthy servants.

"Thanks for your support, love, and prayers. I love to receive your letters. Don't forget us in your prayers. May heaven's blessings be with you."

Friday, October 17, 1969

Time slips away so swiftly! On Monday we, the Ramos District, took the opportunity to visit the statue of Christ on Corcovado. We worked three hours in the morning street contacting so we could have the evening free to view the panorama of Rio by night. Weather conditions were threatening, but the cloud level remained above the 700-meter high point overlooking the city. The last train descended at six o’clock, and we were able to see the sprawling city below blink on its lights before we had to leave.

On Thursday, the day of the mission fast, I worked with Elder Ferrin all day. That evening I interviewed two different families to be baptized on Saturday. I also helped teach a third lesson to a wonderful family.

This afternoon I stayed in bed because of a heavy cold that has been hanging around for two weeks. Cold weather, fasting yesterday, getting in bed late last night at midnight just wore me down a little too low.

Tonight Antonio received the sixth lesson and a special Blue Book presentation. He is ready for baptism but works Saturday and wants to wait for next Saturday.

A week ago Elder Gessel and I taught a lineage lesson to a girl with the lineage who is interested in the Church. Her father, knowing nothing about the Church, attended also. Both said they understood.

Saturday, October 11, 1969

One note for the record: On the evening of Sunday, September 21, I talked in the sacrament meeting of the Meier Branch. My topic was baptism, the third basic principle and first ordinance of the gospel.

Sunday evening we received by short-wave radio in New York a delayed broadcast of the first session of the semi-annual general conference of the Church meeting in Salt Lake City’s historic Tabernacle. The session was translated into Portuguese. Because of an electrical storm here in Rio, the reception during the first 45 minutes was poor. The remainder came through strong and clear. It was so good to hear again the great choir and organ and to be receiving the messages from the presiding Brethren. Irmão Antonio, whom we are now teaching, attended and enjoyed the proceedings.

This week Antonio received the third and fourth lessons, is well into the Book of Mormon, living the Word of Wisdom, and progressing. This afternoon he attended a baptismal service I conducted. Elder Staker baptized José Delfino Barbosa Filho this afternoon, a man who received the lessons from Elder Anderson. I confirmed him a member of the Church.

Friday, October 3, 1969

The richness and goodness of life is at times nearly overwhelming. A fantastic zone conference yesterday has me a little better equipped for the battle—with an increased faith in myself, in our leaders, in the Brazilian people, in the programs and promises of the Lord. Time slips away ever and ever faster. I feel as though I am running out of time. A year ago last week, on September 25, I was set apart as a missionary.

When I attended my first zone conference back in January, Elder Dean Slade, my companion who was attending his last, said it was the best he had attended in two years in Brazil. President Johnson promised they would be better. Yesterday was my fifth zone conference, and it was the best yet.

During the morning session we held an hour-long critique session on teaching techniques, a new feature in zone conference. New programs were explained and outlined to help us progress even further in the Lord’s work. The afternoon testimony meeting was a special experience. Participating in the conference of the Tijuca Zone were 30 elders and sisters from the districts of Ramos, Meier, Tijuca, Santa Tereza, Headquarters, and Jardim Botânico.

Speaking of conferences, the semi-annual general conference of the Church is in session this weekend.

Of the many events, happenings, and facts of the last few weeks, only a few will be noted in passing. Last night I worked with Elder Ferrin, leaving Elder Staker to work with Elder Taylor. We traveled out to Mesquita to teach a family the fifth, sixth, and lineage lessons and to interview them for baptism. The father arrived late, and we did not teach nor interview. We finally made it home by 1:00.

Wednesday I worked with Elder Gessel in his area, giving Elders Staker and Richtsteig a chance to be out together on their own. They have been down now for a month.

Last Friday Elder Larry Braithwaite, our zone leader, worked with me in our area. Saturday last Elder Staker baptized and I confirmed a lady, Lair Cabral Barbosa, who had been taught by Elder Anderson before he left. Her husband had to work and was not able to be baptized. One daughter has been a member for a month.

Much of our time has been spent tracting. We have taught several first lessons, but none of them to really sharp families. One exception: We were introduced Sunday to a man who has attended church for nearly a month and who wanted lessons. His first lesson Tuesday and second lesson this morning were both really sharp. His name is Antonio Fernandes Costa.

The district is full of good elders and is animated. The work is looking bright.

Saturday, September 13, 1969

Today new responsibilities, new surroundings, new faces come into my life. Tuesday evening President Johnson informed Elder Stewart and me of our transfers: Elder Stewart to Nova Friburgo to be district leader and Elder Cleverly to Ramos to be district leader.

Our last few days together as companions saw us visiting our families (we noticed how close we had grown to each of them) and our investigators to say good-bye, teaching Elders Morrell and Broad­head their new responsibilities, and showing them in greater detail their proselyting area. Last night we taught Nilton Luz and his family a fourth lesson.

Elder Stewart left Friday morning. It was sad to see him go. My regard and love for him had grown to great proportions. I shall con­sider him ever a friend, a brother, and my companion.

Yesterday, last night, and this morning I worked with Elders Morrell and Broadhead. This morning I traveled out to Ramos to re­place Elder Anderson, a very trunky elder. My new companion is Elder John Edward Staker, a novinho of two weeks from Mt. Pleasant, Utah.

Monday, September 8, 1969

This afternoon I participated in one of the most uplifting spiritual experiences of my life. Twelve of us were sitting in a casual circle in the living room of the mission home, receiving precious insights and sharing testimonies of a special and holy nature. Among our number was an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley.

President Johnson was running the show because, as Brother Hinckley had earlier pointed out while we circled the dinner table, he believed in being obedient to the mission president. However, as soon as the President had called us together and had called upon his assistant, Elder Bob Bailey, to offer the opening prayer, the time was offered to Brother Hinckley.

He remained sitting in the easy chair he was in and suggested that each of the eight young elders present take about three minutes each to express a few thoughts. Some very touching testimonies were borne during those few minutes. It is a rare privilege and oppor­tunity to bear testimony to an Apostle.

Next Sister Johnson was called upon to speak. She brought tears to my eyes as she told of how her parents had finally caught the vision of the gospel just before they, the Johnsons, were called to Brazil and had turned from inactivity to go to the House of the Lord.

Sister Hinckley shared with us a few thoughts next. She is an able and gracious companion to her husband. She spoke of her joy in be­ing with us and of the miracle of the great missionary system. She never worried about her sons while they were serving missions, just when they returned home did she begin to worry again.

Finally President Johnson bore his strong witness to us that he knew that this was the work and kingdom of God, expressing his overflowing gratitude and love for all those associated with him in this grand work.

Then all eyes turned to Brother Hinckley. Now it was his turn. He asked if he might remain seated because he wanted to talk casually and intimately with us, not wishing to preach. I saw true manhood and great humility as he sat there before us saying that he felt un­worthy of the office of the apostleship. As he meets with mission­aries across the width and breadth of the earth, he feels unworthy of the office. As he received such a warm welcome at the airport at 11:00 the evening before, he felt unworthy of the office. As he sits in meetings of counsel with the other Brethren in the Salt Lake Temple, he feels unworthy of the office.

He shared with us a few touching and close associations he has had with our beloved prophet and leader, President David O. McKay. Just last year the Brethren of the Twelve and First Presidency met in President McKay’s apartment a few days before Christmas. As they each bore their testimonies, they expressed their love for President McKay. Tears came to his eyes and he said, "I am not worthy of your love and trust." Now that was the Prophet speaking! There is no doubt that he is a prophet, Brother Hinckley said. It was appropriate for him to speak of the Prophet—today is President McKay’s 96th birth­day.

Often we sing, "We thank Thee, O God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days." But if we would really follow the Prophet, the Church would be twice as strong as it is, and we would be twice as blessed as a people. Brother Hinckley assured us that the Lord was preparing a successor to President McKay—a man who would have wide and deep experience, years of long service, of capable judgment, of character molded by life and tempered by the Holy Spirit of God. He felt the Lord was taking His time in preparing such a replacement. President McKay’s body is old and worn and weak, but his mind and spirit are firm and clear. When he passes away, there will be no poli­ticking, no power plays—the Lord’s choice will be evident.

Brother Hinckley spoke of missionary work and the great miracle it is. He told us of how the Church is growing in the Far East, his res­ponsibility for eight years, of how it is surging forward in California. He said he felt a special spirit about Brazil. Years of slow and long preparation will be giving way to a time of rich and fuller harvest. At times he feels concerned about São Paulo baptizing too fast. Twelve years ago (when President Hibbard, now president of the Brazilian Mission, was working there), São Paulo had one branch of 80 mem­bers, seven of which were active. This year over 2,000 converts will swell the wards of the two stakes there now. It is difficult to integrate so many new members.

He moved into other areas to share other missionary experiences with us, an area he has directly worked with since 1933. He mention­ed a letter from their son, who was called from the North Argentine Mission to open up the missionary work in Spain. One thing that im­pressed me from this letter was that he mentioned their most effective missionary tools were fasting and prayer.

He closed his brief remarks—he was not really delivering a talk but just chatting—with an admonition to remain virtuous and faith­ful. He bore his witness, as a living Apostle, that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ and that this is indeed His Church here upon the earth today.

Brother Hinckley is a great man. He carries with him the Spirit of the Lord. He is intense in his untiring and devoted service. The Spirit bore witness to every soul that here was indeed a servant of the Lord.

Our meeting closed with a brief word of prayer given by our dis­trict leader, Elder Michael Morrell.

Brother Hinckley walked around the circle, shaking every hand, piercing into every soul, offering his best wishes. Tight schedules and other business beckoned, but our hour and a half with this great man is an experience long to be cherished.

Earlier in the day we of the mission office staff also ate dinner with the Hinckleys and the Johnsons. The meeting in the afternoon was planned for all the missionaries in Rio, but none could be con­tacted by telephone since it was preparation day. It was a rainy day and cold. In the meeting, sitting in the circle clockwise, were Brother Hinckley, President Johnson, Sister Johnson, Sister Hinckley, Elder Stewart, Elder Broadhead, Elder Cleverly, Elder Bailey, Elder Merchant, Elder Nielsen, Elder Morrell, and Elder Gale.

The Hinckleys arrived from São Paulo Sunday evening at 11:00. He had presided over two stake conferences there during the day. This evening they left for Lima. This morning Elder Hinckley sent a telegram to President McKay with birthday greetings from 60,000 members in South America and the missionaries of these 10 missions.Early this morning we played football on Leblon Beach. Tonight in a very good district meeting, I spoke on the prophet Enos and those things we might learn from him.

Saturday, September 6, 1969

A great deal has happened in the last few weeks, just a few details of which I will relate here. On Thursday, August 28, Elders Fenton Broadhead and Michael Morrell arrived from Belo Horizonte to begin training as historian and accountant. We worked together in the office all that first day and split up that evening to introduce them to their new area. They look like sharp elders. Elder Morrell came down in my group, and it was good to see him again.

August 30 Elders Kent Gale and Robert Bailey reached Rio from the North. Elder Gale, who will work in the mission office as assistant secretary, came through the LTM with me. He was my companion in the Salt Lake Mission Home and for a few days in the LTM. Great to see him once again. Elder Bailey is an assistant to the President, work­ing in Jardim Botânico. This same evening, August 30, Elder Morrell and I taught a second lesson to Domingos and his wife.

On Sunday, August 31, we heard from one of our investigator ladies that President Costa e Silva, president of the republic, had passed away. She learned it from her son, who is in the military. How­ever, he did not really die but had a heart attack with attendant brain damage. The ministers of army, navy, and air force took over control of the country.

Elder Walters, finally recovered from his hepatitis, went out to Niterói to be district and zone leader. He left the mission home Sep­tember 3. Elder Simmons, retiring zone leader, went home on Sep­tem­ber 6. Wendy, after three months here in Brazil, returned home with him. President and Sister Johnson were naturally saddened to see her go.

September 4 all the elders in Jardim Botânico and Headquarters gathered for the monthly meal at President Carter’s home. We learn­ed that early that after­noon the American ambassador was kid­nap­ped. Two days later Elder Stewart and I ate dinner in the Zacheu home. This evening both Nilton and Domingos re­ceived third les­sons.

Elder Stewart learned today of the death of a very close cousin, Gordon Stewart, last week. An airplane crash was the cause. He was only in his early 20s. Elder Stewart was quite touched.

President Johnson, upon return from a conference for mission presidents held in Montevideo, informed us of the recent death of Brother John Longden, as Assistant to the Twelve.

Monday, August 25, 1969

"Every man gives his life for what he believes. Every woman gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes people believe in little or nothing. One life is all we have, and we live as we believe in living it, and then it’s gone. But to surrender what you are, and live without belief—that's more terrible than dying—more terrible than dying young."

These spirited lines of Joan of Arc from Anderson's play Joan of Lorraine catch a theme lately running through my mind. Living without belief is, I suppose, pragmatically and philosophically impossible. At worst would be belief in unbelief. Yet of all the many beliefs in the world today, of the many confusing trumpets, few are the beliefs that are saving, rare are the trumpets sounding a clear call. Life at its best, existence in its fullest sense calls for well-integrated growing beliefs built on premises that are true. The only faith that moves mountains is true faith, vibrant and ever growing. Indeed, the Book of Mormon’s definition of faith precludes false faith (see Alma 32:21).

The faith that is the first principle of the gospel is a particular type of faith: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In Him we can safely center our belief. We cannot afford to say as one man said to us a few nights ago as we explained about the gospel of Jesus Christ, "I never get mixed up in personalities." A very original answer, I had to admit, but a dangerous philosophy in the eternal aspect of things.

The traditions of men shape so many beliefs. Environment, custom, tradition, apathy hand us our precious beliefs and wrap us in darkness and ignorance.

Wednesday, August 20, 1969

Jim Dallas, my roommate last year at school, wrote me a letter from Jönköping, Sweden. I thrilled to read his wonderful letter. He mentioned: "Congratulations on your being part of bringing your wonderful family into the Church. Doubt I'll ever be privileged to see one that large come in here as Swedes on the whole only have two or three kids per family. But our Heavenly Father has allowed me to be with and teach two fine young men and a Danish family who joined the Church. Isn't it wonderful to be a missionary!"

Elder Dallas and his companion had traveled all over Sweden with a display containing a pictorial explanation of the Church. Their work is directed mostly towards young people and young families by using the MIA.

"It was one of the choicest learning experiences of my life to be a guide and street contactor with the display," he wrote, "and now most of our proselyting time is dedicated to looking up and teaching the visitors who left their names and addresses."

Yes, I was warmed all over to read his good letter. Within a week they were expecting two more baptisms. His tone was one of a dedicated and faithful elder.

Tuesday, August 19, 1969

Yesterday afternoon the four elders in the district saw the movie Romeo and Juliet. The production was superbly done: costuming was magnificent, acting marvelous, the original Shakespearean language preserved in its flowering greatness, the music masterful, the filming well done. It made me proud to have English as my mother tongue.

Upon returning from the show, we held our weekly district meeting. The singing is pretty bad still. Elder Stewart explained our new program and the decision followed to make 60 contacts per week our minimum goal rather than the present 30. The other two elders will come to our place each morning for breakfast before we all leave to contact. For instance, the four of us went to the downtown area this morning. Generally we will stick to our own area.

A few days ago a letter came from Dean Slade, my first companion here in Brazil. He mentioned in passing that he would be marrying a Jewish girl August 28. It will be a civil ceremony because she is the only one in her family belonging to the Church. The day following they will be sealed in the St. George Temple. She is already learning Portuguese, he reported.

Sunday, August 17, 1969

"Ever and always startling is the swiftness with which time goes, the speed at which life passes. 'My departed hours—where are they?' the poet asked in anguish. The weeks seem hours only."

As time slips ever away, the above thoughts from Richard L. Evans seem appropriate. How starkly true the thought, the realization that weeks seem hours only. A missionary appreciates such a thought, wishing at moments that time were his to control. In about one month, President Johnson indicates, we will be out of the mission office assignments we now hold. The past months working with Elder Stewart have been precious. I love that man so dearly. Realizing we have not much time together, we planned today to make the best and most effective use of that time remaining in serving our Father in Heaven.

For as suggests Brother Evans: "Oh, may we have the wisdom to use the little time, the precious life, to do what should be done, to learn what should be learned, to live as we should live: repenting, improving, performing, with a blessed sense of peace and purpose—not just rearranging our problems—not just rushing around."

Tracting has been our means to "see the people" almost exclusively the months we have worked in this area. Using this method has found us ten baptisms. However, desiring to see more people and to use our limited hours more wisely, we developed a new approach. The new emphasis is on street contacting in the morning before going to work in the mission office. Our study time, taken that period in the morning, will be moved to early evening. We will largely cease early evening tracting.

Yesterday afternoon we saw Victor Flores Ferreira and his son Mário baptized and confirmed members of the Church. Victor's wife, sister, mother, and children all attended the service. Elder Stewart baptized both of them and confirmed Mário. I confirmed Irmão Victor.

Many months have passed since this family came in contact with the Church: Victor heard the first lesson the very same Sunday night William heard it back in March. A heavy work schedule slowed things down considerably for a time. But now he is a member. The silent fear hints that he is not yet converted to activity in the Church. He did not attend either meeting today.

Following the baptism yesterday we had a dinner engagement with Irmã Maria Amelia de Oliveira. This evening when we visited Maria Yolanda and Marcos to give them a short lesson-type thought, a snack was served.

Wednesday, August 13, 1969

Last evening and tonight Elder Nielson and I worked together while Elders Richins and Stewart were together. Tuesday we taught a lesson in the other area while Elder Richins interviewed Victor for baptism. Tonight we taught a first lesson to a man named Nilton Luiz. He and his family accepted it well. The others taught a group, in which two widowed ladies were the only sharp ones, a Joaquina and an Aesteria by name.

Monday we taught a second lesson to José and Tania.

Sunday, August 10, 1969

Yesterday a welcome letter from a wonderful friend, Mark Smith, announced that he would be entering the mission home in September. His call is to the French Mission. Earlier in the week a letter from Jeff Boswell arrived. It was one of love and faith, as might be expected from a young man as he.

Last night we held a long conversation with Victor Ferreira and his wife Helena. They were not ready for baptism, and it appeared that progress had stopped. But they did promise to come to Sunday School this morning. And they did. We marked to drop by and visit again early this afternoon. I had not the slightest idea of what we should do, of how we ought to profitably continue. Elder Stewart indicated a similar lack of direction or inspiration. After some brain racking, we knelt in prayer and pleaded for aid. Shortly thereafter we determined a plan, largely voiced by Elder Stewart, and went to put it into operation.

Upon arriving at Victor’s home, we spoke briefly then fervently bore our testimonies once more to him. We asked him to kneel and ask God whether or not he should be baptized next Saturday. He knelt, prayed, said a lot of words, but finally asked. At that moment it was clear that the Holy Ghost was present. We had promised to abide by the answer he received.

"Can we begin making preparations for the baptismal service Saturday?" Elder Stewart asked as we arose from our knees.

"Yes," he replied.

Right then and there we presented the sixth and final lesson. Helena had a headache and did not attend. Certainly we were feeling particularly animated with Victor's decision. His son Mário expressed a desire to be baptized also. He is 12 years old. This evening we combined with various members in the area to visit with Victor throughout the coming week.

Thursday, August 7, 1969

This afternoon Elders Stewart, Richins, and I visited Elder Walters in the hospital. He seems to be doing fine. Elder Nielson stayed in the office working on the Desafio.

Wednesday, August 6, 1969

President Johnson left this afternoon for São Paulo to meet with President Hibbard and take care of business there. He will return sometime Friday. Whenever the President and his family travel, the mission office remains pretty quiet.

Elder Raymond Carter left the mission today, eventually to be re-assigned to another mission. He had been here six months, working last in Jardim Botânico, where I came to know him. A number of factors lead to the decision to send him home, including sickness and other problems, but topped off by the death in Vietnam of a very close brother. He flies to California, will be at home a few days for the funeral, and then travels to Salt Lake and reassignment.

Late Sunday night Elder Walters finally arrived from the North. He was not acting or feeling sick, except he was a bit yellow. Jaundice is generally associated with hepatitis. We rode up to the Hospital Silvestre with him and helped check him in there.

Sunday, August 3, 1969

Yesterday was Elder Stewart's 20th birthday. It turned out to be a good day for him because he was asked to baptize Peter Folz, a member child, in the afternoon. The audit was also terminated. Brother Anderson, who understands neither Spanish nor Portuguese, attended the baptismal service with us. Elder Richins and I were downtown in the morning and did not return in time for the birthday dinner for Elder Stewart.

Today was fast Sunday. This evening we held in the chapel a joint member-investigator fireside. It was a good fireside. Victor and his family attended, coming in at the last moment with William and his family just as we were starting. Using the theme "Seek and Ye Shall Find," we played a treasure hunt game where three groups had to find three necessary ingredients to make punch: water, sugar, and punch powder. The analogy followed. Three steps are required to obtain or strengthen a testimony: study, prayer, keeping the commandments (meaning attending the meetings and living the Word of Wisdom for investigators). Any two of the steps are not enough; neither punch nor testimonies result from using just two ingredients.

Twelve years ago today I was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Chirst of Latter-day Saints.

Friday, August 1, 1969

While Elder Stewart and Elder Nielson went banking this afternoon, Elder Richins and I went to the Santos Dumont Airport to meet a Brother Anderson, arriving from São Paulo. He is from the Auditing Department in Salt Lake City. This mission was the ninth he was visiting of the ten in South America. While waiting for his late flight, we decided what an auditor should look like so we could recognize him. Brother Anderson, a quite young and rather loose man, was not what we had been expecting. He was distinctively American, though not auditorish, but he recognized us because missionaries look rather the same nearly everywhere.

Most of his work was with Elder Stewart, as accountant. Things were looking good until 1,700 conto (NCr$1.700) were found extra in the petty cash. They never did figure out where that much money (US $425) came from. We worked until about 8:30 and called it a day. Then Elder Stewart and I took Brother Anderson out to eat. We had camarão à Biana (a very spicy Brazilian shrimp dish).

As if this were not enough to make an interesting day, add more: A call came from the North saying Elder Jeffrey Walters in João Pessoa had hepatitis. The President and Sister Johnson were in Petrópolis at zone conference, and we had no way to contact them. Elder Richins, on his own, sent a telegram telling Elder Walters to head for Recife and to expect to continue down to Rio. Of course the President was thrilled to receive such news as he returned home after a tiring day. I'm not even sure that the 15 110-FP cards (meaning 15 baptisms) that arrived today also from João Pessoa, Elder Walters’s district, cheered him up.

Anyway, to add to the confusion already reigning because of Elder Walters, the auditor's arrival, and Dona Lourdes (the cook) being sick, a couple of sailors off the Enterprise dropped in to say hello. One of them was an elder in the Church from Seattle, Elder Richins's home, and he just wanted to get in touch with the Church while the ship was in Rio port for a couple days. The Enterprise was returning from Vietnam to the States.

All a fellow can say is WOW!

Thursday, July 31, 1969

This afternoon another street meeting was held, the second in Rio de Janeiro. We met in the Largo do Machado and there held the meeting for over two hours. We followed the same format as on the first meet­ing June 26. I was able to give the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith stories in English, which was actually difficult and unrefined because it was translation from Portuguese.

Tonight we taught a really sharp young couple who have been married four months. José is the man's name. A second lesson is marked for next week.

Sunday past we taught Victor and his children the fifth lesson. Last night, when we showed up for the sixth, we retaught the fifth to his wife Helena because he had not yet returned from work. Maria Yolanda attended the lesson Sunday and remained after we left to bring them to sacrament meeting. None of them showed up. We stop­ped to talk with Maria Yolanda following the meeting. She had just returned home from Victor's, having spent a couple hours there talk­ing with them. It was probably just as good for them as the meetings may have been.

Elders Jerry Allen and Robert Cary returned to the States yester­day because of health: Elder Allen to Salt Lake for treatment and Elder Cary to the Florida Mission.

Tuesday, July 29, 1969

The Rio Zone met in conference today in the Jardim Botânico chapel, with President Johnson presiding and Elder Rulon Simmons, zone leader, conducting. The theme was "As Ye Sow So Shall Ye Reap." Elder Stewart gave a fine talk on the subject of challenging and testi­fying. He is certainly a great elder, and each day my appreciation grows for having him as a companion. Panels discussed proselyting techniques and lineage problems. President Val H. Carter, of the Jardim Botânico Branch, offered valuable guidelines on health pre­cautions.

"Seek the Spirit" was the theme of a brief talk I was assigned to give. I tried to follow such advice both in the preparation and delivery of the discourse. Briefly I touched on three divisions of the subject, as follows:

What is the Spirit? The Holy Ghost is a revelator by whose power men gain testimonies of the truth, His mission being to bear record of the Father and the Son and to sanctify and cleanse the souls of the righteous.

The light of Christ is (1) sent to strive with all men, giving guidance into all truth; (2) in accordance with ancient prophecy (Joel 2:28–29), is being poured out upon all flesh in the last days and not to be confused with the Holy Ghost, which the world never had (John 14:7); and (3) "the agency or power used by the Holy Ghost in admin­istering his affairs and in sending forth his gifts" (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 753).

Why seek the Spirit? The Lord has commanded us to do so (see D&C 50:13–24 and 42:14).

The Savior said, "My sheep know my voice" (John 10:2–5). Hence, it is the only way to know the things of God (Alma 5:45–46; Matthew 16:13–19; D&C 50:21–23).

Bishop Robert L. Simpson explains: "The great gift of personal revelation is unmis­takable; it is direct. It is a more sure com­mu­ni­cation than the audible spoken word; for that which we hear through mortal ears is some­times distorted, so often misunderstood. This pre­cious gift of spirit speaking to spirit is infallible and direct" (Im­prove­ment Era, Dec. 1965, 1136).

In sublime allegory in one of the most beautiful chapters of Holy Writ, the Savior declares, "I am the vine, ye are the branches. . . with­out me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). The entire chapter con­tinues in this profound and instructive vein of thought.

How to seek the Spirit? Personal worthiness is a requisite: "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord" (D&C 38:42). "My spirit shall not always strive with man" (D&C 1:33). "The Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples" (Helaman 4:24). "Cease to be unclean" (D&C 88:124).

All actions need to be from a pure heart; otherwise we are fooling ourselves. Purity of heart, not brilliance of action, is the key.

"It is not," says Hugh B. Brown, "merely a matter of conformity to rituals, climbing sacred stairs, bathing in sacred pools, or making pilgrimages to sacred shrines" (BYU speech, May 13, 1969).

Godliness is the only thing that will make one a God. As mis­sion­aries, these questions must be answered: (1) Are our thoughts clean? (2) Do we love the people? (3) Do we love our companion? (4) Do we follow direction and counsel of those above us? (5) Do we follow a well worked out daily schedule? (6) Do we live by every word pro­ceeding from the mouth of God, hungering and thirsting after right­eousness?

And finally, do we pray always? (see D&C 19:38–41 and 121:45–46). The promise follows that the Holy Ghost will be our constant com­panion, exactly that which we are seeking.

The afternoon session with testimonies and messages from the Presi­dent and Sister Johnson was outstanding. It was good to see all the elders and sisters in the zone. The Relief Society served a delicious noon meal. The President interviewed each missionary. A full and re­warding day!

Thursday, July 24, 1969

Today is Mormon Pioneer Day, marking the 122nd anniversary of entering the Great Salt Lake Valley by the advance party of the Saints. Associated with that date is Brigham Young's prophetic pronounce­ment, "This is the right place! Drive on."

Appropriately America's modern pioneers, the three astronauts, safely returned from their journey to the moon. Although they went into incubation confinement immediately after leaving the space cap­sule, President Richard M. Nixon was aboard the naval carrier that picked them up to give them an appropriate heroes welcome.

President Johnson celebrated his birthday today. His age was not open for discussion.

Yesterday 11 new elders arrived in the mission from the States. Because someone somewhere goofed up in the documentation pro­cess, they remained in Rio overnight and could not go out as initially planned. With all the transfers and changes, a new city (Anápolis) was opened and a new district (Santa Tereza) created in the Tijuca Zone. Elder Michael Knight, Jardim Botânico district leader, was transferred. He used to be Elder Stewart’s companion.

Monday, July 21, 1969

A letter to my family at home:

Saturday I received one of the best birthday presents any person could ever receive—we held a baptism service, and I baptized a lady and her eight-year-old son members of the Church. It was exactly three weeks ago yesterday that we first spoke with her about the Church, but she had been prepared and when the message of the Restoration came she gladly answered. You cannot imagine how fantastic she is.

Yesterday in the district quarterly conference (a district is like a stake, except still part of a mission) she was sustained as first coun­selor in the MIA presidency of both the district and mission. That is pretty good progression, considering she was only a member one day. Her name is Maria Yolanda de Souza and her son's name is Marcos, also a fantastic little kid. Someday he will be a bishop or stake president here in Rio de Janeiro. Therefore, as you can imagine the happiness that comes to a young man when he sees someone em­bracing the gospel, you can understand how thrilled I was to receive such an honor as a birthday gift.

As I mentioned, yesterday were the concluding sessions of the quarterly district conference of the Rio de Janeiro District. The Saints from the states of Guanabara, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo (study your maps) all gathered in the district center chapel. It is always a thrill to meet with the Saints assembled in conference. It is just as great to hear members of the Church stand and sing “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet” and “Come, Come, Ye Saints” in Portuguese as in English, or any other language, I suppose. The gos­pel is the same in any language and in any corner of the earth. Before and after conference I was able to see again many of the mem­bers from the Petrópolis Branch (where I first labored) and renew those friendships.

Yesterday, July 20, man first stepped onto the moon. A dream of centuries has been realized within 66 years after man’s first heavier-than-air flight at Kitty Hawk on that Dec­ember morning in 1903. In just a lifetime fantasy has become reality. What will that many more years bring? We are living in an exciting age, in adventurous times.

In two weeks, on August 2, is my companion’s 20th birth­day (his name is Monte Stewart). Like a good companion’s family should, you ought to send him a birthday card or short note saying Happy Birth­day. I would appreciate it. Thanks for everything. So long for now.

Sunday, July 20, 1969

The Rio de Janeiro District met in quarterly conference in the Tijuca chapel yesterday and today. This morning general priesthood session started at 8:30, the regular general session commencing at 10:00. I am always excited about meeting in conference with the Saints. I met again many of the dear members from the Petrópolis Branch. Among action passed upon in the conference was approving José Sauerbronn Toledo to be ordained an elder and sustaining Maria Yolanda as first counselor in the district and mission YWMIA presidency.

A dream of ages was fulfilled tonight as man stepped onto the moon. Ever since the project was given the final go-ahead a few days ago, I have prayed for the mission's success and for the safety of the astronauts. But the moon is no longer virgin soil. The two Americans stepped onto the moon just a few moments before midnight Brazilian time, about 40 minutes after we gave up the vigil and went to bed. Probably every television set in the world was tuned to the coverage of the moon shot. Part of the goal set back in 1961 by John F. Kennedy has been realized: having a man on the moon before 1970. The other part? To bring them safely back to earth.

Saturday, July 19, 1969

In the face of eternity, even in the chronology of man, 20 years is but a flash in the darkness. Today I am no longer a teenager. And as this is the oldest birthday I have reached, it has also been the best.

The Johnson family, particularly Sister Johnson, was all so nice, treating me as if I were the king of the day. Sister Johnson wrote a note to me, as she does to every missionary on his birthday, wishing me the best. She said, in part:

"May I tell you that it is a great pleasure for us to have you work­ing in the mission offices. We know that you would rather be out do­ing full-time missionary work—but you never complain. We appreci­ate your loyalty, dedication, your desire to fulfill your calling as a missionary."

We started our day by contacting in the feira down the hill from the mission office. There we ran into Sister Johnson, Dona Lourdes (the cook), and the other elders. Sister Johnson wished me happy birthday there.

At lunch there was a cake with candles. To begin the meal I had volunteered to offer the spiritual thought. Today is Joseph Fielding Smith's 93rd birthday, and I chose some thoughts from his October con­ference talk about the gospel and the destiny of the kingdom of God.

From home I received a card from Dale, a letter from Grandma, and a letter from Lyle and Barbara. My companion, Elder Stewart, gave me the book The Restored Church in Portuguese. It is the same colorful history of the Church used in the seminary program, author­ed by William E. Berrett.

But the best of gifts was being able to baptize as members of the Church Maria Yolanda de Souza and Marcos Balduino de Souza, her eight-year-old son. The Lord has been especially good to us and His blessings are upon His people and His directive influence is in this work. It was only two weeks and six days ago that we first spoke to Maria Yolanda, marking a lesson with her. Today she is a member of the Church.

Directly following the baptismal service, Elder Stewart confirmed Maria Yolanda a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and gave her the Holy Ghost. Elder Reed Nielson confirmed Marcos.

What neater birthday could I have asked for? For the record, I feel no older now that I am 20.

Monday, July 14, 1969

This afternoon I sent letters to six of my friends, using a carbon copy because of time limitations. Copies went to Bob Russell, in Provo working on his masters degree; Elder Jeff Boswell, in the Samoan Mis­sion; Elder Brian Rabe, in the Portuguese zone of the LTM; Elder Dave LeSueur, in the Franco-Belgian Mission; Elder Steve Hill, in the German South Mission; and Elder Evan A. Ballard, in the West Spanish American Mission.

Tonight an investigator fireside was held in the chapel. Following an introduction and opening hymn and prayer, we played an inter­view game to break the ice and let everyone become acquainted. Selected investigators were called upon to speak briefly on a specified subject. The filmstrip What Is a Mormon? was shown. We closed with a hymn, prayer, and refreshments.

We had three families in attendance: Maria Yolanda and Marcos, who will be baptized tomorrow; Fausto and his wife, who discon­tinued the lessons a few months earlier because of the Word of Wis­dom; and Francisco, a young man who has read half of the Book of Mormon and says he believes it to be true but will not accept Joseph Smith as a prophet.

Maria Yolanda received the fifth and sixth lessons this week. Tuesday we taught the fifth, and she was fantastically impressed with the plan of salvation. Thursday evening we taught the sixth lesson in William's home. Lillian attended both but will be out of town for the baptism. Elder Richins interviewed her this evening.

Saturday, July 12, 1969

This evening Elder Stewart and I had our first direct confrontation with a Catholic priest. We entered a building to ask the síndico for per­mission to speak with the residents of the building. After giving us permission, he agreed to respond to five questions, a pesquisa, that we generally use in a door approach.

Do you believe that God lives? Yes, he replied.

Do you believe that God spoke with prophets anciently? Another yes.

Do you feel that God has the power to speak with men today? I suppose so.

Do you feel a need for a prophet in these days? Yes, he said again.

At this point a Catholic priest who was a dinner guest in the home came to the door. We continued with our last question: If you knew that Jesus Christ had returned in these latter days and restored His Church, would you like to know more about it? The man squirm­ed, looking kind of silly at the priest, and ventured a timid yes.

"Oh, so you are the Mormons," broke in the priest. Since the man originally at the door indicated interest, Elder Stewart began bearing his testimony.

"Wait a minute," interrupted the priest, "you cannot go around telling people you know that this is true. You should say I have the im­pression that this may be true, but you cannot go around forcing your­self on people. This man has free agency. You may invite him out to a meeting if he wants to come, but you cannot stand here in his own doorway and force yourselves upon him by saying you know your message is true."

That was too much. I stuck my finger up in front of the priest's face to make him stop talking and replied: "We speak what we must. We know the message of the Restoration to be true and are therefore under responsibility to say that we know it is true."

The priest retorted: "You cannot know. That is subjective."

Elder Stewart indicated that we knew by the power of the Holy Ghost and then continued explaining briefly about the apostasy and Restoration. All the time the priest was bothering us, interrupting, spouting off childish and foolish little remarks.

"Are you afraid of our message?" asked Elder Stewart. He said no, but still would not let us continue.

He started ranting that Christ's church had been here 20 centu­ries. Why should we be going around saying it had just been restored a hundred years ago? As the Jews did to Christ, he was trying to pro­voke us to argue. We would not argue. The Spirit moved me to bear testimony. But the message fell on deafened ears. Seeing they do not see, hearing they do not hear.

"By what authority do you say these things?" he demanded, echo­ing the same interrogative thrown against the Savior by the Pharisees.

"We bear this testimony by the power of the priesthood of the Almighty God and in the name of Jesus Christ," explained my com­panion. Again the priest began his ranting and raving. At this point we once again invited the other man to accept of our message and thanked him for permission to tract the building. Then we left.

Naturally we discussed the incident the rest of the evening. The interview was what I had always pictured such an encounter might involve. I noted in his haughty manner, in his uncivil demeanor, in the very framing of his questions and taunts, how much it was like the opponents of Christ when He was here on the earth.

Friday, July 11, 1969

Today we had the recordings of the April 1968 general conference of the Church playing while we worked in the mission office. Such a fan­tastic spirit emanates from the conferences of the Latter-day Saints. The music and spoken words from the Saturday morning ses­sion of that conference brought back special remembrances and heart warmths. During those days I was visiting in Elgin, Illinois, in the Walter Rabe home, in the turbulent days following Martin Luther King’s death. This session, I remember so clearly, was released Sun­day morning throughout the middle and eastern United States. I sensed then, and felt again today, that the clear and sure call of heaven-inspired prophet leaders was sounding to a troubled nation, a fevered world.

My brother Ray celebrates his 24th birthday today. A great many months have passed since I last heard from him. I sent greetings last Monday.

President Johnson and his family, along with Elder Richins, drove to Nova Friburgo early today to make visits there.

Last night Elders Stewart and Nielson taught a fourth discussion to Marcos and Maria Yolanda. Lillian also attends each of the lessons.

Tuesday, July 8, 1969

"O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of them­selves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish" (2 Nephi 9:28).

It is a sad fact, learned by experience, affirmed by the inspired comment above, that the wisdom of man is useless until it humbly acknowledges the wisdom of God, the Father of lights. Last evening Elder Stewart and I saw a man, who though verbally acknowledging Joseph Smith to be a prophet and the Restoration a fact, preferred to wallow in the mire of man-made wisdom at the expense of happiness and eternal life. I make reference to Antonio Justa, the author, who received two lessons and affirmed that he knew our message was true but one that he did not care to follow.

Elder Richins and I worked together this evening to teach Maria Yolanda a third lesson. She had been living the Word of Wisdom in its entirety, including abstinence from coffee and tea, ever since Marcos was born. This is just too good to believe.

Elders Stewart and Nielson worked together in the area of the other elders.

Sunday, July 6, 1969

Fast Sunday is generally one of the best days during the month. The meetings today, particularly testimony meeting, were special spiritual feasts. Lillian's Sunday School investigator class, which we usually do not attend, was good.

A lady we taught the first two lessons to during the last week attended all the meetings. She was most impressed, as she was Friday evening after the investigator fireside. Her name is Maria Yolanda de Souza. Marcos is the name of her eight-year-old son. More and more I am impressed with her. People this sharp are not common.

She attended this evening a fireside for members, which we hold every fast Sunday evening, even though she is but an investigator. We showed films of the October 1968 semiannual general conference. Afterwards she was saying to me: “How marvelous! Such a fountain of wisdom! There is no doubt that these men are Apostles of the living God.”Later she was saying to one of the members, “I have learned and felt so much today.”

Friday, July 4, 1969

With the transfer Tuesday of Elder Henderson, the Headquarters District received a new district leader in the person of Elder Phillip N. Richins. The new member of the office staff is Elder Reed Nielson, transferred from Vitória.

Last evening was our monthly meal at President Val Carter's home, a good way to introduce Elder Nielson. The eight elders work­ing in the south zone of Rio are invited the first Thursday evening of each month for dinner. President Carter was telling of some of his missionary experiences from the olden days. At one time he was the entire mission office staff. We learned that Sister Carter was a mis­sion­ary here at the same time.

Today the United States of America celebrates her 193rd birthday. As missionaries we did not pause to give specific recognition, but the prayer was in my heart throughout the day that America might be true to her heaven-commissioned destiny. My prayers remember President Nixon and the grave responsibilities he carries.

An investigator fireside was held again this evening in the Jardim Botânico chapel, the film Man's Search for Happiness being passed, as the Brazilians would say. That is a fantastic film, artfully and effec­tively portraying the plan of life and a few basic teachings of the restored gospel.

Wednesday, July 2, 1969

One further word about the Maria we taught last night: Until she was 21 she did not realize there were other religions besides Catholicism. But she indicated that when she read the Joseph Smith tract it rang familiar. She is ready for the gospel.

Elder Richins, Elder Stewart, and I worked together today, the three of us spending the night at the apartment of Elder Richins. This evening we taught a first lesson to a man who is a poet and author, with something like nine works published. On first encounter he gave us one of his books, a romance called Lázaro, a story about the biblical Lazarus raised from the dead by Christ. This man, Antonio Justa, is intimately familiar with the Bible. He loves to talk and could have done exactly that all evening with little trouble at all, making it most difficult to get into the lesson. He did slow down though as we pre­sented our message to him. He accepted the lesson but does not seem to be the type that would go on to baptism. His only hope is the Book of Mormon and what it might do for him.

Tuesday, July 1, 1969

In recognition of America's best and closest neighbor in the sister­hood of nations, including recognition of the home she gave a great number of the Saints, I pause to note and remember today as Dominion Day in Canada.

Elder Dorrell Henderson, our district leader, was transferred out of the Headquarters District today. He had been serving as mission secretary. Of the four of us in the mission office, Elder Henderson had been around the longest, since just after last Thanksgiving. He left this evening for Vitória.

This evening Elder Stewart and I taught a first lesson to a lady named Maria and her eight-year-old son. She is separated from her husband. They are prepared for the gospel. We contacted her while tracting the building in which she lived. Because of her initial interest Elder Stewart left a tract with her. When we returned, as so often hap­pens, interest had waned. We did not push it upon learning of her marital situation. We left, inviting her out to the meetings. Sunday she came to Sunday School and was impressed with what she saw. Sunday evening we passed by and marked a visit. After the meeting she returned home and reread the pamphlet and was overwhelmed by how fantastic it was. She displayed a real hunger to learn of our message.

Monday, June 30, 1969

A letter to my brother Jerry:

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. A sunset, a mountain bathed in moonlight, the ocean in calm and in storm—we see these, love their beauty, hold the vision in our hearts. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Thanks for that beautiful message from Helen Keller, which you sent on the occasion of your birthday. I am most appreciative.

This week also brought a letter you sent over a month ago. It is the one in which you mentioned the flower you sent to Karen for me on May 19—having heard nothing from either of you I was beginning to wonder what had happened. You also made reference to a letter that would be in the mail in a few days explaining your newfound happiness—that has never arrived. But just from your letters I can tell you are happy and I am glad for it. One of the few things that would make me even happier would be to read that you would be getting married. Anyway, I am glad to know you are busy and truly happy and dreaming the dreams of the future.

History was made in Rio de Janeiro last Thursday after­noon when the gospel was preached for the first time openly in the streets of this city. In one of the praças (public squares) we held a street meeting. Eight elders participated. One elder would tell the Book of Mormon story and the history of the Restoration in English (to attract attention) while another elder would translate into Portuguese. The rest of us would mingle in the crowds answering questions, explain­ing more about the Church, and trying to sell the Book of Mormon. In just over an hour we sold 11 copies of the Book of Mormon. We also had some stands up with giant posters explaining the Restoration and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. These helped attract interest also. We were in a poor praça, but we felt it was a success. At the end we were rained out. This marks a begin­ning of a new era of preaching the gospel here in this nation.

Thanks for all your support and interests in every way. Know of my love and respect for you. May the blessings of heaven continue with you.

Friday, June 27, 1969

History was being made yesterday afternoon as the message of the gospel was preached openly in the streets of Rio de Janeiro. A street meeting, to our knowledge the first ever in the city, was held in Praça Tiradentes with the eight elders from the Headquarters and Jardim Botânico Districts participating.

To attract attention, one elder would begin going through the Book of Mormon lesson and the Joseph Smith story, in that order, giving it in English. A second elder would translate into Portuguese. The remaining six elders with copies of the Book of Mormon in hand mingled among the people that would gather, offering explanations, answering questions, selling the Book of Mormon. In addition, large posters depicting the Restoration and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon were displayed on two separate stands or frames built for that purpose.

The meeting was counted a success, although better praças might have been picked with a better flow of pedestrian traffic. But it took quite a bit of maneuvering to obtain permission for even this meeting. Eleven copies of the Book of Mormon were sold in about one hour and a half. Rain, which had been threatening for some time, finally drenched the elders and the exhibit.

Participating in the street meeting were Elders Michael Knight, Ray Carter, Kirk Marsh, and Gary Jensen (all from Jardim Botânico), and Elders Dorrell Henderson, Phillip N. Richins, Monte Stewart, and Dean Cleverly (from Headquarters).

Exactly 125 years ago today the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum, the Patriarch, were assassinated at the hands of a mob in Carthage Jail, sealing with their lives a testimony that the world cannot impeach. The world has tried, but the work set up by the Lord through the instrumentality of the Prophet is spreading forth. The gospel, as prophesied by Joseph Smith, will penetrate every continent, be preached in every nation, spread through every city and hamlet, touch every heart.

From the inspired announcement of the martyrdom: "Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. . . . He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated! . . . The Testators are now dead, and their testament is in force" (D&C 135:3, 5).

Monday, June 23, 1969

More information concerning the demise of Varian Halliday has reached us here in Brazil. He passed away from a heart attack at the age of 69. His death saddened me. Brother Halliday was a man loved and respected by all who had the opportunity to know him. His love for the youth of the Church is best noted in his lifetime of loyal and dedicated service. To some he was a teacher, to others a bishop, a high councilor, a seminary coordinator (in which position I first en­countered him), a stake Sunday School superintendent. He was a busy man, a happy man, the world a better place for his having been in it.

Yesterday we taught a second lesson to Victor and family. His wife was feeling ill and did not attend the lesson. Irmão Victor came out to sacrament meeting but arrived at the chapel just as the services ended. Luckily, films of the April general conference of the Church were shown afterwards, and he stayed to watch them.

Last Friday evening an investigator fireside was held, with the film Man's Search for Happiness shown and a display set up with the big pictures explaining the Restoration. Members were invited to attend, but their ticket or invitation to come was to bring a nonmem­ber family. William and his family invited Victor’s family, bringing all of them except Victor himself, who was coming directly from work. He arrived just after the whole thing was over. However, his wife and children enjoyed the film and displayzinho.

District meeting this afternoon was held jointly with the Jardim Botânico elders at the chapel. Occasionally the two districts meet to­gether to plan our common projects. Today we discussed a street meeting to be held this Thursday, another investigator fireside July 4, and a member fireside July 6.

Thursday, June 19, 1969

Yesterday marked the six-month mark since my arrival in Brazil. That seems difficult to believe. Nine months ago, a third of my mission ago, I entered the Language Training Mission. I have one month re­maining from today that I can still call myself a teenager.

Bus prices went higher Sunday. Those we had been taking at NCr$0,19 each (190 beans) are now NCr$0,24 each. The NCr$0,22 bus­ses are now NCr$0,28. Inflation.

Word reached me this week by way of letter from Dale that Bishop Varian Halliday passed away recently. Dale's letter was quite brief. He simply said, "Brother Halliday died." No further details. President Johnson knew Brother Halliday several years ago in Idaho Falls and thought quite highly of him. He was saddened to hear of his death. About a month ago both President Johnson and I wrote a letter to Brother Halliday and his wife.

Six new elders arrived today from the United States. It is always great to have more elders in the mission. Arrival days are always busy for the mission office staff. The group arrived a day later than scheduled because a flight was missed in Denver on Tuesday.

The new elders brought with them nearly 400 Blue Books that we had ordered from Salt Lake. Because there were so many they could not be carried onto the plane. Therefore, being instructed to pack them in their suitcases, the elders had to pay overweight and be re­imbursed upon arrival at mission headquarters. The cost? A costly little mistake of $320.

Elder Dennis Wade had his tonsils out this week, spending several days in the mission home recovering. There seem to be no complications. Jill Johnson is having her tonsils removed next week and is all super excited over the fact. School ends this week at the American School and will begin again in August.

The new baby grand piano arrived last week and keeps everyone excited. Wendy Johnson is a rather fantastic pianist who loves to play quite a bit. I even plunk away at the keys occasionally.
Tuesday evening we retaught a first lesson to Irmão Victor and his family. This time we taught the two older children also. He and his wife originally had the first lesson the same Sunday evening William received it back in March. Since William knows Victor, we are having William and his family help.

Tuesday, June 17, 1969

Each week we read together aloud as companions one of the tracts we leave with the investigators after the various lessons, reading in this order:

O Testamunho de Joseph Smith [The Testimony of Joseph Smith]
Qual Igreja É Verdadeira? [Which Church Is Right?]
O Testamunho de Joseph Smith
A Palavra de Sabedoria [The Word of Wisdom]
O Testemunho de Joseph Smith
Depois do Baptismo, O Que? [After Baptism, What?]
O Testamunho de Joseph Smith
O Plano de Salvação [The Plan of Salvation]
O Testamunho de Joseph Smith
Dízimo [Tithing]

The mission handbook is also read each week, but not together as companions. This week I finished the Pearl of Great Price in my scrip­ture reading program. Now I have started the New Testament. I plan to read through all the scriptures at least once every year throughout the rest of my life.

To this point I have read the Standard Works thusly, as best my memory serves: the Book of Mormon six or seven times, the Pearl of Great Price five times and possibly more, the New Testament three times, the Doctrine and Covenants three times, and the Old Testa­ment once.

Saturday, June 14, 1969

President and Sister Johnson and Wendy were traveling to conference in Belo Horizonte this weekend. No cook showed up at the mission home, and so we fixed our own meal: fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, buttered carrots, and fresh strawberries.

Irmão Sandri, the Petrópolis Branch president, was in Rio for a branch presidents meeting. He stopped in with Elders Braithwaite and Mourão to see us.

Friday, June 13, 1969

April conference in Salt Lake City was a special spiritual feast. The June copy of the Improvement Era, containing the conference talks, arrived yesterday. While accompanying Elder Stewart downtown to the bank this afternoon, I read nearly half the talks. I saw three major themes developing: (1) A witness that the resurrection was a literal fact and that since Christ is the Savior in Him and His gospel lie all hope for solutions to problems; (2) a challenge and call to members of the Church to rededicate and recommit to the responsibilities they have taken upon themselves as Saints, as parents, as leaders; and (3) a warning against dangerous and false theories and philosophies (such as sex education or sensitivity training) all too prevalent in a mixed-up, confused world.

Thursday, June 12, 1969

The month of May saw more baptisms in the mission, 61, than in any other single month since the mission was organized last July. Presi­dent Johnson was happy of course, although it still falls short of the goal of 100 a month that he expects. There are 98 missionaries in the field right now, six of whom are sisters. Of the baptisms, 20 of the 61, or 30 percent of the new converts, resulted from member referrals. These are just a few interesting observations about the mission ex­tracted from our monthly report to the First Presidency.

Another letter arrived yesterday from Lyle and Barbara and boys, dated Tuesday, May 34. Yesterday was Jerry's 31st birthday. Today is Karen's birthday.

Our activities this week have been mostly tracting and tracting and more tracting. Last night we planned to teach Victor another les­son, but he did not return from work.

Tuesday, June 10, 1969

Saturday President Johnson's daughter, Wendy, arrived from the States to spend three months here. The President and Sister Johnson were so happy to have her here. She seems to be a special light in their lives.

Yesterday started with football on the beach, although the two elders with the football did not show up until 7:45, a little later than our planned 6:30, which was when Elder Stewart and I had to leave to keep on our schedule. Therefore we missed the game. We had brief naps following breakfast, went shopping, and after haircuts ate at Bob's, headed to the mission office to write letters, study, and prepare an assigned talk for district meeting. The time just raced by too quick­ly.

To demonstrate how quickly a beach can change: When we showed up for football yesterday at least five or six feet of sand had been carried away by the waves since two weeks ago because several large boulders dotted the beach where we usually played. It ruined the beach for football. The waves must have been violent because a new wooden stairway, built up the mountain behind the little beach, leading to the highway above, had been chewed away about two-thirds of the way up, maybe 30 feet up.

Friday, June 6, 1969

We seem to have reached a point in the missionary work where, although we are following the programs and things are not going really bad, nothing is happening. We are not finding the families ready to hear and accept the gospel. As Elder Stewart expressed it, "We seem to be about four days behind where we should be." For days I have been wondering where the problem lies. As I have been writing this, it came to me that I must approach the Lord and plead with integrity of heart and earnestness of soul for the people of this area ready to hear the Savior's voice. He knows His sheep and will call them, and ours is the charge to help if we will work as He directs.

Elder Richard Smoot, zone leader of the Rio Zone and Niterói district leader and great missionary, left for home today. I did not have a chance to say good-bye.

Tonight was another investigator fireside. We showed the film Man's Search for Happiness. Three investigators attended, none of which were ours.